Boudu Saved from Drowning

About Boudu Saved from Drowning

Michel Simon gives one of the most memorable performances in screen history as Boudu, a Parisian tramp who takes a suicidal plunge into the Seine and is rescued by a well-to-do bookseller, Edouard Lestingois. The Lestingois family decides to take in the irrepressible bum, and he shows his gratitude by shaking the household to its foundations.

Jean Renoir's Boudu Saved from Drowning is a 1932 comedy film. Its themes are suicide attempt, mistress, bourgeoisie, and adulterous wife.

Michel Simon stars as Priape Boudu, Marcelle Hainia as Emma Lestingois, Sévérine Lerczinska as Chloë Anne Marie, la Bonne, and Jean Gehret as Vigour. It runs 84 minutes and was released in November 1932.

The screenplay is by Albert Valentin and Jean Renoir. American members can watch it on Criterion Channel.

The Lovers on the Bridge, The Unfaithful Wife, and City Lights make useful companions to Boudu Saved from Drowning, all filed under seine and tramp. TMDB voters put it at 6.9 out of 10 across 158 votes.